Do you ever stop to think about the garnishes, liqueurs and syrups you put in your favorite cocktails? Amy Stewart, author of The Drunken Botanist, definitely has! She has uncovered some seriously cool history on some common, and some not-so-common cocktail ingredients

I heard Amy speak this last summer at Tales of the Cocktail – it was one of my favorite seminars of all times. Not only was the content interesting but Amy is a fun and engaging speaker. If you love booze and you love geeky stuff – you will love her book!

From oak trees to lemon verbena, Amy gives a detailed and intriguing account of the various herbal ingredients we use in cocktails and liqueurs. With over 50 recipes, chemistry of over 150 plants, and growing tips for gardeners, this is the perfect gift for those with a green thumb and love to imbibe.

Amy is an award winning author of 6 books detailing the delights and dangers of Mother Nature. Living in sunny California, her backyard is one big herbal experiment, and the bookstore she and her husband own is a veritable maze of fascinating finds.

The Drunken Botanist: “The plants that create the world’s great drinks”, by Amy Stewart is coming this March. Available for pre-order now at drunkenbotanist.com and on Amazon. Make sure you check out her funny promotion video!

Cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves…  It’s time to spice it up! We love these spices in tasty cookies, cakes, and muffins. And there are even more dishes out there ready for that hit of warm spice pizazz!

One of my favorite and somewhat un-sung spices is the cardamom seed. This flavorfully potent spice is native to India, but its flavor and use has spread throughout the world, from Scandinavian to Middle Eastern cuisine.

Cardamom adds a sassy flavor to my Spiced Squash Bisque. The aromatic spices combine well with the flavor of sweet winter squash making this soup a great cold weather dish.

Other favorite spices that I love are allspice and cloves, so great in spiced shortbread cookies, stews – and I especially love them infused in my recipe for Spiced Red Vermouth … perfect in a Manhattan!!

My Spiced Vermouth!
For the recipe and more inspired sipping, check out Kathy Casey’s Liquid Kitchen™.

Rubs are another great way to incorporate new and unique spices into your meal. There are so many great pre-made options available like my Fragrant Star Anise Rub. It’s an excellent way to add an exotic flair to a roasted pork or chicken.

If you like to experiment with creating your own rubs, check out the bulk spice section at your neighborhood grocer, or head on over to Pike Place Market’s World Spice shop to pick out what you want. World Spice has tons of loose spices, and you can buy just what you need, whether it’s a pinch or a squiggle. You can also find spices online from BulkFoods.com to Amazon.

One last hint: a coffee grinder is excellent for grinding your own spices. Just be sure that you keep one for solely that purpose… the star anise “scented” coffee at my house was not a big hit!

So remember, a little bit of spice can go a long ways in bringing out your dish’s flavor!  -Kathy

Spiced Squash Bisque
Organic or homegrown squash is preferable to use for this recipe because it creates a much more pronounced and sweet flavor. I like to use hubbard, Danish, or butternut squash, or a combination. Make the Crispy Seeds while the soup is cooking.

Makes 6 starter servings

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup diced onion
4 1/2 cups (about 1 1/2 pounds) peeled, seeded, and cubed winter squash (any type of sweet squash or pumpkin combination may be used; reserve 1/4 cup of seeds for Crispy Seeds)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon coriander seeds, finely crushed
1 teaspoon cardamom seeds, finely crushed
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
1 bay leaf
1 1/2 teaspoons salt (more or less depending upon whether you are using a homemade stock)
3 cups chicken broth
3/4 cup sour cream
Salt to taste

Crispy Seeds
1/4 cup seeds from squash
1 1/2 teaspoons olive oil
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt

In a large heavy saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. Add squash, garlic, spices, bay leaf, and salt. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes. Add chicken stock and bring to a boil. Turn down the heat, partially cover the pan, and simmer for approximately 15 to 20 minutes, or until the squash is very tender.

Meanwhile, make the Crispy Seeds: preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Rinse seeds under cold water to remove any squash flesh or strings. Drain well and measure. Place in a bowl and toss with the olive oil. In a small bowl, combine cumin, sugar, and salt and sprinkle over the seeds. Toss well and spread seeds on a nonstick baking sheet. Roast for 8 to 10 minutes, or until crispy and toasted.

Remove bisque from heat. Remove and discard bay leaf. In a blender or food processor, carefully purée the hot soup in small batches with the sour cream. (Be careful not to make your batches too large, since the soup is very hot.) Taste for seasoning and add salt as needed, especially if using homemade broth. Pour the puréed soup back into the pan and keep warm.

Divide the soup among warmed soup bowls. Sprinkle each serving with about 2 teaspoons Crispy Seeds.

For a vegetarian version: substitute vegetable stock for the chicken stock.

Chef’s Tips:
For a fun and impressive presentation, thin out a small portion of sour cream with milk or cream until it is a “squeezable” consistency and put in a squirt bottle. Swirl the top of each serving with the sour cream.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®

Looking to create some chocolatey goodness for your sweety? Check out the Pool & Spa Outdoor blog featuring the 10 Chocolate Dessert Recipes for Valentine’s Day – including my recipe for  Chocolate Covered Cherry Jumbles!

(Photo by Kathy Casey Food Studios® for the National Cherry Foundation)

Yogurt is one of my definite go-to, easy snacks. It’s healthy; individually packaged; and come in a wide variety of flavors! From Boston Cream Pie to Passion Fruit, to Orange Creamsicle to Boysenberry.

And these days, people just can get enough of Greek Yogurt! It’s creamy and smooth and the low-fat varieties taste so luscious!

Greek yogurt is packed with muscle-building and appetite suppressing proteins, and fat-free versions are low in calories and sugar, making this treat a total win-win in my books. For added flavor, top it with freshly chopped fruits, crunchy granola, a drizzle of honey, or… shaved dark chocolate! The options are endless!

This dairy darling has many d’lish applications. I love mixing it into mashed potatoes or adding a dollop on top of my morning oatmeal drizzled with maple syrup. For healthy app, dip rice crackers or baked chips into plain Greek yogurt topped with salsa and a sprinkling of chopped cilantro – delicioso!

Greek yogurt is the perfect addition to any morning routine. It’s great when blended into my Fiber Packed Breakfast Smoothie! Blended with a whole-peeled orange, a spoonful of local honey, ice and a few flax seeds–you’ll have the energy you need to start your day right.

Yogurt has definitely lost its “plain vanilla” reputation and I’m glad! –Kathy

Fiber Packed Breakfast Smoothie
The great thing about smoothies are that you can customize to your personal taste. Add a tablespoon of protein powder, or toss in some fresh or frozen berries.

Using a whole orange adds not only great taste, but extra fiber too. And if you want to jack up the fiber even more add a few torn leaves of fresh kale.

And if you really love smoothies- be sure to get yourself a fantastic blender. I love my Vitamix it makes smoothies in a flash!

Makes 2 servings

1 large orange
1 ripe banana, cut in chunks
1/2 cup low-fat or fat-free yogurt
1 – 2 Tbsp local honey, agave nectar (or sub a packet of no-cal sweetener)
1/2 – 1 teaspoon flax seed (the more seeds – the more “texture”)
1 cup ice

Cut the peel off the oranges, trim away any white pith, cut the fruit into chunks, removing any seeds.

Place the orange, banana, yogurt, honey, flax seeds and ice in a blender cup and blend on high speed until smooth. Divide between two glasses and serve immediately .

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®

Speed Rack comes to Seattle! So mark your calendars for Sunday, February 10th from 3:00pm – 7:00pm at Century Ballroom and make sure to buy your tickets soon!

Founded by Lynnette Marrero and Ivy Mix, this national cocktail competition/fundraiser features top regional female bartenders in a head-to-head round robin style timed and judged challenge. Winner of the upcoming Seattle event will then get the opportunity to compete in the finals and where the winner will be crowned Miss Speed Rack USA! All the proceeds raised will go to breast cancer research, prevention and education.

I’m looking forward to judging the Seattle event and seeing all our top Washington shakers shine! Make sure to buy your tickets in advanced and visit www.speed-rack.com for more info.

“Get Crackin’” has become a familiar tagline in TV commercials for the wonderful pistachio – but this little nut is more than just a pop culture phenomenon. Listed as a super food, nuts, and pistachios in particular, have a wide range of health benefits to top off their delicious flavor. From heart-healthy fats to high protein content, pistachios are the perfect snack or as a lovely accent to many d’lish dishes!

Sprinkle pistachios over Greek yogurt with dried cherries for a nutritious treat. Mix them in with dark chocolate, mini pretzels and dried cranberries for an indulgent trail mix. Or use them to finish off my Roasted Beets with Orange Honey Vinaigrette and Pistachios for tasty texture.

One of my favorite recipes featuring pistachios is my Warm Orange & Pistachio Bittersweet Chocolate Cake. Baked right in little mason jars and topped with a pouf of orange cream, these mini cakes are so cute and perfect for weekend entertaining!

So get crackin’ on some new ways to enjoy this healthful and flavorful nut! -Kathy

Roasted Beets with Orange Honey Vinaigrette and Pistachios
You can prepare this recipe part way in advance: After roasting beets, cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, drain beets again if necessary, and proceed with the recipe, sauteing beets in the syrupy vinaigrette until heated through.

Makes about 6 servings

6 large beets (about 3 pounds)
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons orange juice concentrate, undiluted
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup shelled pistachios, chopped

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Peel beets and cut into 1-inch chunks. Toss beets with 1 tablespoon of the olive oil and place in a 9- x 13-inch baking pan, then cover pan with foil. Roast beets in preheated oven about 40 minutes, then remove foil and continue roasting about 15 – 20 minutes more until beets are tender. Remove beets from oven and drain off any excess liquid.

Meanwhile, in a saute pan, whisk together remaining olive oil, OJ concentrate, lemon juice, honey, salt and pepper, and place over medium-high heat. Cook for about 1 1/2 minutes, or until syrupy. Add beets and saute to coat evenly.

Sprinkle nuts on top to garnish. Serve hot or at room temperature.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®

Photo by Kathy Casey Food Studios®

Warm Orange & Pistachio Bittersweet Chocolate Cakes “in a Jar” with Orange Cream
You can also make the cake batter up the day before, then just assemble in the jars, bake and serve warm! If baking ahead, you can chill down the baked cakes and just give a quick reheat in a hot oven or microwave to warm them.

Makes 6 cakes

Cakes
6 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped into small chunks
10 tablespoons (1 stick plus 2 tablespoons) butter
5 large eggs
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon fine fresh orange zest
1 tablespoon flour
2 tablespoons orange juice concentrate
2 tablespoons Cointreau or Grand Mariner liqueur
1/2 cup shelled pistachios, lightly toasted and coarsely chopped

Orange Cream
1/3 cup heavy whipping cream
2 tablespoons powdered sugar
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 tablespoon orange juice concentrate

Garnish: fine fresh orange zest

To make the cake batter: In a double boiler or medium bowl set over a pan of simmering water, combine the chocolate and butter. Heat over medium heat, stirring often, until the butter and chocolate are just barely melted. Remove from the heat and stir until completely melted.

In another bowl, beat together the eggs, sugar, vanilla, zest, flour, orange juice concentrate and liqueur. Stir in the melted chocolate mixture and the pistachios. Refrigerate batter for 2 hours or up to overnight.

To bake the cakes: Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Stir the batter to distribute the nuts. Divide the batter evenly, scooping 1/2 cup batter into each of 6 half-pint, wide-mouth canning jars (or you can substitute glass custard cups). Place the jars on a baking sheet and bake for about 22 to 28 minutes, or until the cakes are set but the centers are still very, very soft. (See chef’s note.) Let cool for 3 to 4 minutes and serve warm.

To make the orange cream: While the cakes are cooking, whisk the cream and powdered sugar together in a medium bowl until lightly peaking. Add the sour cream and orange juice concentrate. Whisk in until nicely peaking.

Top each cake with a dollop of cream and sprinkle with orange zest.

Chef’s note: Ovens differ, so bake the cakes for about 22 minutes for very soft center or 24 to 28 minutes for somewhat firmer centers. When removed from the oven, the centers of the cakes should still be gooey. If using cold batter from the refrigerator the cakes will take longer to cook.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®

Everyone has heard the age-old advice that when cooking with wine, “If you wouldn’t drink it, then don’t cook with it;” but that does not mean you can’t find fabulous wines, that are also inexpensive, to cook with. Personally, if you’re cooking with it – then you should have a glass too!

There are ways to incorporate wine into almost any dish. My Bolognese Meat Sauce with Chianti, for example, is soo rich and delicious after a good long simmer that I almost want to forget the pasta and just eat the sauce right out of the pan! Yum!

Tasty ingredients for my “Double Red Wine” Vinaigrette!
Photo by Kathy Casey Food Studios®

Adding a dash of wine to a dish adds an extra dimension of flavor especially when reduced down – further enhancing the flavor of the wine. My recipe for “Double Red Wine” Vinaigrette calls for reduced red wine which is then whisked into red wine vinaigrette – now that’s a flavor POW! Its gorgeously delicious taste is the perfect accent to fresh organic greens.

Leftover white wine from the weekend is a great addition to anything from sautéed onions for a vegetable soup, to pan-seared shrimp with garlic.

So pour a little in your glass, add some in your pan, and cook up something d’lish! -Kathy

Bolognese Meat Sauce with Chianti
Makes 12 cups sauce

2 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound pork butt, cut in 1 “ chunks
1 pound beef chuck, cut in 1” chunks
1 cup small diced onion
3/4 cup small diced celery
1/2 cup chopped mushrooms
3/4 cup small diced carrot
1/2 cup small diced green peppers
2 tablespoons minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon crush red chili flakes
1/4 teaspoon dry “whole leaf” rosemary, crushed
1 teaspoon dry “whole leaf” oregano
1 teaspoon dry “whole leaf” basil
1/2 teaspoon dry “whole leaf” thyme
1 1/2 cups Chianti red wine
2 cups beef broth ( I used Swanson’s)
2 (6oz. each) cans tomato paste
2 (1# 12oz each) cans pear tomatoes in juice
3/4 cup whole milk
salt as needed

In a large heavy bottom Dutch oven or soup pot heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the meat chunks and cook – browning on all sides, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot to a plate and set aside.

Then add to pot the onion and cook – stirring often for 1 minute, Then add the celery, mushroom, carrot and green peppers, cook stirring often for 1 minute.

Add the garlic and chili flakes ad stir in for 30 seconds. Add the dry herbs and wine and bring to a boil and reduce for 2 minutes.

Add the reserved browned meat, beef broth and tomato paste. Pour the juice from the canned tomato in and with clean hands add the pear tomatoes to the pot while “hand squishing” them.

Bring to a slow boil and then reduce heat to medium-low – low to keep at a consistent slow simmer. Cook, stirring often for about 2 hours, until meat is very very tender and is falling apart and sauce is very thick.

Add milk and stir in and then remove sauce from heat and stir up sauce well, breaking apart meat and incorporating into sauce. Taste sauce for salt and season as needed.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®

“Double Red Wine” Vinaigrette
Makes 1 1/2 cups vinaigrette

Vinaigrette:
1/2 cup Merlot red wine
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon finely minced garlic
1 tablespoon finely minced shallots
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup extra virgin olive oil

In a small non-corrosive saucepan combine the wine and wine vinegar, place over high heat and bring to a boil. Continue boiling until liquid is reduced (by half) to ½ cup. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature.

Place the cooled red wine reduction into a medium bowl. Add the mustard, garlic, shallots, salt and pepper. Whisk together, then slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously. Mixture should be nicely emulsified. Refrigerate until needed, whisking well again before serving.

To serve: In a large bowl place about 1 tablespoon vinaigrette for every super-packed, heaping cup of greens. This dressing is big flavored, so not much is needed per serving. With clean hands toss well, being sure to coat each leaf with dressing. Add more dressing or greens to taste.

Recipe by Kathy Casey Food Studios®

There are loads of d’lish food holidays out there! For example, did you know that January 19th is National Popcorn Day? Yum!

I love classic buttered and salted popcorn. It’s the perfect snack to munch on at the movies, during family game night, or as a healthy alternative to chips. And if those little 100-calorie microwave bags leave you craving something a bit more gourmet, try my ideas on how to spice up your snacking!

-Brown some butter before drizzling it on top, and then toss with cinnamon sugar to satisfy that sweet tooth craving – yum!

-If savory is more your style, add a dash of fresh chopped herbs in with some olive oil.

-How about spicing it up with a zesty hit of lime zest, cilantro and Tabasco?

-For the taste adventurer, try this: shake on some curry powder or furikake seasoning to add a truly unique and inspired flavor. Wow!

(Photo from Simply Recipes)

I’m always a fan of kicking classics up a notch and I love to grate sharp cheddar over my popcorn – but why not take it up a level by grating Manchego cheese over it and then seasoning it with sea salt and Spanish smoked paprika or experiment with different flavored seasonings like bacon salt. Just remember to be conservative with liquids like hot sauce when seasoning… no one is a fan of mushy popcorn.

So however you like it, pop up some tasty fun on National Popcorn Day! -Kathy